Robin Lloyd-Jones “I Am Because We Are”

For the I Am Because We Are substack posts there is now a growing editorial team to this never-ending-story (my story and your story!). Thank you Max Mackay-James who will be selecting extracts from the rough manuscript written and edited by Robin Lloyd-Jones; thank you Riccardo Volpato for coaching me on all things web-technical; thank you Karunajaya for proof-editing before publishing. There are other writers who have agreed to comment/edit extracts related to their experience in the overall story including Alan Kirby, Lex Alison, Ratnadevi, Alan Kellas . . . .and maybe you?

The Poet’s Way “Live in-person” Sundays 3rd Nov and 1st Dec 24

Doors open at 5:15pm for a prompt start at 5:30 – ending around 9pm and with one short comfort break and a longer 30 to 40 minute break for refreshment and writing time. Venue: Glasgow Buddhist Centre: 72 Berkeley St (G3 7DS), sharing space with the Glasgow Unitarian Church. Bring a poem to share, your own or a favourite published poem. Please bring 4 copies of the one poem you want appreciated.

The Poet’s Way awakens to the power of poems to compliment & enhance our spiritual practice. Inspired by Manjusvara’s book The Poet’s Way (Jane Hirshfield says “this book offers warm-hearted, step-by-step awakening into the possibilities and powers of poems”).

Winter Equinox Poet’s Way 20th December 7pm UK-time

Bring an Winter poem to screen share, your own or a favourite published poem. The evening will include a guided meditation and small appreciation groups for close reading of poems, and a Poetry Shower.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: 20th DEc, 2024 07:00 PM (UK) Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrd–rrj8uEtF0zfKrxyoySboRIugADLkg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

New Moon Writing Hour – Wednesday 2nd October 4pm

Linda France’s New Moon Writing Hour on zoom. The next Writing into Being Writing Hour   Wednesday 2nd October 4 – 5pm BST. Here’s the zoom link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89571264876?pwd=mchP92u5WJYgn2DWGRWx7RkZR5aFzh.1

Scottish Poetry Library 40th Anniversary celebration

You are cordially invited to attend the Scottish Poetry Library’s 40th anniversary celebration at the Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DT on Thursday 3rd October from 7pm. The evening of poetry, music and song will include wine and canapes. This activity will celebrate the many successful partnerships and projects that the poetry library has engaged with at home and abroad. If you haven’t already book, it is probably too late, but try emailing: reception@spl.org.uk – click on the link above to get an overview of the history. Here’s snippet from my first meeting with Tessa Ransford, the founder of SPL:

In 1981Tessa was behind me in a queue for buying books, a pen and pad in her hand scribbling notes to herself. Recently arrived from London where I was a member of the Poetry Library in Convent Garden, I asked the sales person “Where’s the Scottish Poetry Library?” He shrugged his shoulders and said “never heard of it”. Tessa tapped me on the shoulder and said “That’s a good idea” or something like that then suggested we have a coffee & chat. That was the beginning, That started it all – the spark in the dark, a seed sown on an August rainy day. We talked for an hour, maybe longer. and the idea grew stronger. After several more meetings with other poets such as Hamish Whyte, then head of literature at the Mitchell Library
where we considered housing the first Scottish Poetry Library; since I lived in Glasgow, that was my first choice. Tessa took the baton and ran with passion gathering support from all over Scotland – a woman possessed with a vision, determined to realise it.

St Mungo’s Mirrorball

St Mungo’s Mirrorball is the network for Glasgow poets and poetry lovers. It was set up to promote poets and poetry in Glasgow and provides a regular venue for poets to perform. Aims: To support the development of poetry and poets in Glasgow. To raise the profile of poetry in Glasgow and Glasgow poets. “A valuable pin in the Scottish literary map.” “The most progressive poetry club in Scotland.” You can keep abreast of poetry events: readings, book launches, competitions etc. by subscribing to the Mirrorball Museletter: mirrorballmuseletter@outlook.com